🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book accommodation upon arrival, but when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, believing I could pass those hours in an establishment operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost since a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered if I was OK. I shared my predicament and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish the universe has returned her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.